October 2023 National Teacher of the Month

The Teacher of the Month award is designed to recognize an employee that exemplifies our core values, which are compassion, humility, integrity, loyalty, and discipline. This month we are pleased to announce that our 2023 October National Teacher of the Month is Ms. Nova of Little Sunshine’s Playhouse and Preschool of The Woodlands, TX.

In talking about how Ms. Nova exemplifies LSP’s core values, Program Director Ms. TK said, “Ms. Nova is well loved, not just by her students, but by families all over the building! She loves on the babies as they are coming in each morning and makes a point to speak to her former students as they are leaving each day. Nova is just a ray of sunshine that everyone loves! Nova does a great job with her sweet two-year-old’s, nurturing them and helping them to become more independent. Her class is such a pivotal part of early childhood education and she does a wonderful job molding them and preparing them for the next milestone. Nova is always happy to help if asked to and is a great support and mentor for her co-teachers!”

What age group do you teach?
Twos

What is the name of your classroom?
Where the Wild Things Are

What do you love most about the age group you teach?
The twos are such a fun age. They are always exploring and have such a passion for learning. I love to see the sparkle in their eyes when they understand something new. The kids in my classroom say the funniest things! Sometimes, when a new kiddo is struggling, I love to give them a hug and point out something fun for them to see out our window – they love to watch the garbage man come! I love finding creative ways to make my new kiddos adjust and feel comfortable in their new classroom.

What is your favorite curriculum project you’ve ever done in your classroom?
STEM projects are my favorite! We recently built an apple tree, and the kids loved it. I enjoy watching them figure out how things work and the more hands on the project, the better.

What do you enjoy most about working for LSP?
I love how family oriented LSP is. Everyone works together to make the school better. We have the best families too – everyone is so kind and friendly.

What made you want to become an early childhood educator?
I love working with kids and feel like it was my calling. When I first started, we were living in Panama while my husband was in the military, and I primarily wanted to go back to work somewhere that I could bring my own kids with me. However, I soon discovered that I have a passion for children and teaching that has sparked a career that I love!

Who and/or what inspires you?
Family all the way! My Mom has always been a wonderful inspiration to me for my whole life. I am also inspired by my hard-working husband, Howard. Of course, it is inspiring to be around great leaders like Karri Mills!

What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I love to go to church at the Kingdom Hall, shopping, traveling, and trying out new food.

Tell us one special fact about yourself that no one would expect.
I lived in the Caribbean for a while and while I can dive, I am not a great swimmer.

We also want to say congratulations to all the nominees who are listed below. Thank you for all your hard work and dedication!

Juliana Silva R. - Alpharetta

Velvet C. – Broomfield

Faith – Chesterfield

Koye S. – Colorado Springs

Yaritza T. – Cumming

Alexis L. – Franklin

Shelly K. – Four Points

Madi P. – Gilbert – Higley

Estefany J. – Gilbert – Val Vista

Jacuqelyn V. – Granite Bay

Michaelene T. – Lakeway

Janice K. – Lake St. Louis

Kaitlyn H. - Littleton

Katie W. – O’Fallon

Kamaal W. – Overland Park

Bethany B. - Ozark

Lindsay – Parker

Kassandra G. – Rogers

Gijina R. – Roswell

Bianca G. – San Antonio – Dominion

Taijah G. - San Antonio – Stone Oak

Jaqui R. – Schaumburg

Melanie C. – Scottsdale

Hayley J. - Springfield I

Nicole S. - Springfield II

Mariah D. – Springfield III

Jada W. – University City

Nicole F. - Willowbrook